I visited Kedarnath on the 5th and 6th of May 2022 for the opening ceremony. Any queries or doubts if you plan to visit I will be happy to answer them.
Thanks. Har har Mahadev.
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Ans to 1 and 2) Condition of the walking trail is not very good due to multiple spots of rain though I was lucky as the trail was dry on 5th May when I started. However, it was slushy and slippery when I returned on 6th May. But with patience and regular halts, you can reach the top. The last motorable point is Sonprayag where you can park your vehicle in designated multi-level parking.
Trek is of 19km = [1km + 2km + 16km]. At Sonprayag you walk for 1 km to reach the bridge where taxis ferry you 2 km before Gaurikund. From Gaurikund the trail is for 16 km till Shri Kedarnath temple. Ans to 3) Accommodation is a challenge. Please book your options given online at Nandi base camp or Swarg Rohini. Prefer Dormitories to camps/tents as camps and tents do not have washrooms. On the given website drop-down list there is an option of Nandi base camp huts/dormitory – don’t choose this option but choose the option which says Nandi base camp dormitories and the price is INR 800 per bed. This will ensure you get dedicated washroom options.
If you have some references please book a room near the temple at other sites such as Punjab Sindh away, Himachal house, etc. But DO not go without any booking. I have seen people under pathetic conditions there who did not book and found no options. Ans to 4) Electricity was away for almost 2 hours when I reached there on 5th May at 7 pm however post that till 6th May 2 pm electricity was present. As per local people, no electricity for 2 hours was a surprise. They had a good supply even during snowfall a few days back. Ans to 5.) I suppose current horse charges are around INR 2000 – 2200. Can’t confirm the same as I walked both sides but this is what I heard from horse pilots. Overall a wonderful experience and what an atmosphere there. Can’t explain it in words. The energy and the vibes there are just beyond anything.
When I went to Kedarnath last in early Nov-2021, the only cellphone service available was Jio. No Airtel and no Vodafone. So keep that in mind for the folks traveling.raincoats or waterproof jackets.
